Clarence Seedorf has shocked Dutch coach Marco van Basten by declaring himself out of the reckoning for Euro 2008.
Veteran rules himself out
Clarence Seedorf has shocked Dutch coach Marco van Basten by declaring himself out of the reckoning for Euro 2008.
The Milan midfielder, 32, was very much in line to be named in the squad - although he was not guaranteed a starting role.
Now Seedorf has spoken to van Basten and made himself unavailable.
"I told Clarence I respect him highly as a person and a footballer, but he is sticking by his decision," confirmed van Basten.
Seedorf's decision could very well improve the chances of Liverpool duo Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt making the squad.
Seedorf revealed that he had taken time to consider his situation.
"It is a decision that comes after serious consideration and months of reflection," Seedorf said in a statement.
"Since my return to the national team, the right conditions have not been created to let me perform at my best and to effectively excel as the team member I always strive to be."
Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel has previously said he would not play for the Netherlands under van Basten, who steps down after Euro 2008 to take over at Ajax.
No retirement
Seedorf said he had taken the decision for the good of the team and made himself available for new coach Bert van Marwijk after June's tournament.
"We have seen from the past that some negative issues with the national team and players are recurring. I had always hoped that lessons would have been learnt from past experiences, which caused great players to make some very difficult choices," he said.
"I am naturally disappointed that this has not been the case. In no way do I want to bring tension into the team nor did I want to do anything that would have had a less than positive impact in helping the team excel during Euro 2008.
"I still hope that in the future I can once again proudly wear the Orange jersey, especially as the Dutch team prepares for what I hope will be a very successful campaign for the World Cup 2010 in South Africa."
